Cleveland Indians - PlayerWatch

April 07, 2013|Reuters

RHP Trevor Bauer batted in an American League game after designated hitter Carlos Santana was moved to catcher when a neck injury sidelined Lou Marson early in the game. Bauer struck out, becoming just the sixth AL pitcher to bat in an AL game in the last 22 years. The last? The Rays' Andy Sonnanstine against those same Indians in 2009.

RHP Cody Allen, who pitched two innings in relief, has more than a team in common with starter Trevor Bauer. They were the first two members of the 2011 draft class to reach the majors last year: Bauer, drafted by the Diamondbacks, made his debut June 28, while Allen, the Indians' first-round pick, reached the majors July 20. Allen, 24, had a 3.72 ERA in 27 appearances as a rookie.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, who has hit at least .270 in each of the last four seasons, is 2-for-20 to open the year, including an 0-for-4 night Saturday. His five strikeouts are third on the team behind Lonnie Chisenhall (hitting .176) and Jason Kipnis (.136). Cleveland is hitting .218 through five games.

C Lou Marson left the game with a strained neck but said after the game he was fine. Manager Terry Francona said there's a risk in batting catcher Carlos Santana as a designated hitter and that OF Ryan Raburn would be the team's emergency catcher if Santana were to get injured. Thankfully, Santana stayed healthy, going 1-for-3 with a walk.